Hardiness zone: 4 to 9Height: 70 to 90 ft. with a maximum of 150 ft.Spread: 35 to 50 ft.Habit: Somewhat pyramidal in youth; maturing to oval-roundedLight: Full sun or partial shadeSoil: Deep, moist, well-drained loam with slight acidityFlowers: Greenish-yellow and tulip-like May to early JuneFruit: Cone-like aggregate of samaras, 2 to 3 inches long, ¾ inch wide, eventually turning brown in October and persisting through winterLandscape use:Not suitable for small or residential use, should be restricted to large areas, very large and magnificent tree when full grown, good for group plantingsHistory: native range is Massachusetts to Wisconsin, south to Florida and Mississippi, cultivated in 1663Pests\Problems: Pests: aphids and scales; Problems: canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, leaf yellowing, root and stem rotSignificant Features: Great fall colors; can be spectacularly yellow; valued for flowers and foliage

Michael A. Dirr

Dr. Michael A. Dirr is a horticulturist associated with the University of Georgia. Dr. Dirr has published over 300 scientific and popular publications and has authored seven books, including A Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture and Propagation and Uses. It has sold more than 250,000 copies.

Richard C. Webel

Richard C. Webel is managing director of Innocenti & Webel LLC, a renowned firm that specializes in architecture, landscape architecture and strategic planning. He collaborated on A Landscape of Continuity: The Practice of Innocenti & Webel, published by Harvard University in 1997. In addition to presenting lectures throughout the United States, he has also appeared on CNBC and CNN.